The CCDR is a comprehensive analysis of how climate change intersects with development priorities and identifies pathways to resilient,

sustainable growth.

“ Gabon stands at the forefront of climate leadership in Africa. The CCDR highlights how the country can harness its natural wealth to build a more resilient and inclusive economy— to better protect its forests, secure livelihoods, improve health, and create more opportunities for future generations,” said Cheick F. Kanté, World Bank Division Director for Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Central African Republic, and Equatorial Guinea.

“ With strong partnerships and

sound policies, Gabon can turn its strong climate ambitions into lasting prosperity for its people.”

While Gabon’ s forests absorb more carbon than the country emits, its economy remains highly dependent on oil revenues, making it vulnerable to both climate shocks and global decarbonization trends.

Rising temperatures, increased rainfall variability, and heightened flood and coastal erosion risks, threaten communities, particularly in urban and coastal areas where most of the population and infrastructure are concentrated.

These hazards could exacerbate fiscal pressures and undermine key sectors, such as agriculture, infrastructure, and jobs. Without effective adaptation measures, climate impacts could reduce Gabon’ s GDP by an estimated 3.5-5.3 per cent by 2050 under a business-as-usual growth scenario.

Losses would stem from reduced labour productivity from heat stress, declining agricultural yields, infrastructure damage, and a rise in climate-sensitive diseases.

Even under a reform-driven, highgrowth scenario, annual GDP losses are estimated to range between 3.1 to 4.8 per cent, underscoring that economic growth alone cannot shield Gabon from climate impacts. In severe climate scenarios, the poverty rate

could rise by nearly two percentage points by 2050.

To strengthen climate resilience and safeguard livelihoods, the report highlights three priority areas for action: Upgrading the built environment and infrastructure by enhancing energy access and reliability, improving the management of water resources, and integrating climate risks into urban planning and transport. Enhancing natural capital management through the promotion of sustainable forestry, climate-smart agriculture, and biodiversity conservation to protect ecosystem services and rural livelihoods. Investing in human capital by strengthening health systems, building climateresilient education infrastructure and expanding adaptive social protection programs.

“ Adaptation is not a cost but an investment in Gabon’ s future,” added Aissatou Diallo, Resident Representative for Gabon.

“ By pairing sound fiscal management with policies that empower people and better protect natural assets, Gabon can turn climate resilience into a driver of competitiveness, inclusion, and long-term growth.”

THE United Nations has recognised three new World Restoration Flagships in Australia, Canada and South Africa- each showcasing how Indigenous knowledge and community leadership can accelerate global ecosystem recovery.

Announced ahead of UNEA-7, the awards form part of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration( 2021 – 2030), jointly led by UNEP and FAO.

UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen said that by blending Indigenous wisdom with science, countries are restoring damaged ecosystems“ one hectare at a time.” FAO Director-General QU Dongyu added that true restoration“ is accomplished from the ground up.”

AUSTRALIA

Australia’ s Shellfish Reef Building Program is restoring critically endangered oyster and mussel reefs across the southern coastline. Led by The Nature Conservancy and supported by the government and Traditional Owners, the programme aims to rebuild reefs

across 30 per cent of their original range by 2030.

It has already removed 15 tonnes of nutrient pollution, boosted fish stocks and generated 425 jobs. Minister Murray Watt called the recognition“ transformative” for marine ecosystem recovery.

CANADA

Canada’ s Respectful Returns initiative- spanning seven national parks- has restored 65,000 hectares of habitat and 228 kilometres of waterways critical to salmon. Indigenous stewardship is central, with six sites already showing increased salmon numbers. Minister Julie Dabrusin said the project is“ a blueprint for restoration worldwide.”

SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa’ s Thicket Restoration Movement unites over 60 organisations aiming to restore 800,000 hectares by 2030. Thicket revival enhances drought resilience, strengthens wildlife habitats, and can sequester up to eight million

tonnes of CO₂ annually, while creating 1,000 rural jobs.“ We are banking for the long term,” said practitioner Luyanda Luthuli.

Collectively, the new flagships join

27 existing projects restoring more than 18 million hectares globally- reinforcing UNEA-7’ s message that restoring ecosystems strengthens resilience for people and nature. – @ green